Ian Baker-Finch
Profile
1991 Open Champion and popular television announcer, Ian Baker-Finch is an Australian golfer turned part-time designer who has worked at various times with Michael Coate, Tom Doak, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and lately Jim Wilcher. His design work is hamstrung slightly by having to rely on the services of his partner firms, but there is no doubt that Baker-Finch is more passionate about design than most other ‘signatures’ and is more likely to take a hands-on approach to any design projects.
Kennedy Bay on the West Coast of Australia is a terrific links-like course that was designed principally by Michael Coate with help from Baker-Finch and fellow professional Roger MacKay. Arabian Ranches in Dubai isn’t in the same league as Kennedy Bay for a number of reasons, but IBF was heavily involved and the course is not as disappointing as many others in the Gulf region.
Ian Baker-Finch concentrates most of his time now on commentary work and playing but is still available to act as course designer in association with Jim Wilcher.
For an independent assessment of his suitability for your project, please contact the Global Golf Group
